Hair Growth: How to Take Progress Pics That Show Real Results

Progress photos are a great way to stay motivated on your hair growth journey, especially if you’re dealing with postpartum shedding, thinning hair, or overall volume loss. Because hair changes happen slowly, it’s easy to miss progress without a visual record.

Taking regular progress pics helps you see real results and track if your treatment is working — whether you’re using minoxidil, a laser hair device, supplements, or simply switching to a gentler hair routine. The key? Consistent photos with the same lighting, hair styling, and camera angles.

Ready to see your progress? Here’s a step-by-step guide to taking hair growth progress photos that actually show results. Plus, a few common mistakes to avoid along the way.

It’s hard to notice hair growth just by memory. Small changes, like a fuller ponytail or fewer visible scalp patches, can be easy to miss unless you have something to compare side by side.

With regular progress pics, you can:

• Clearly see if your treatment (like minoxidil or red light therapy) is working

• Track changes in hair density, coverage, and volume over time

• Stay motivated when progress feels slow

The important part? Consistent. Snap similar progress pics at set intervals — not just random selfies — to get a real look at how your hair is changing.

Taking progress photos is easy! By following a few simple tips, you’ll get the most out of them.

1. Set Up for Success

• Use natural lighting. Use natural, indirect daylight. Stand near a window, but skip direct sunlight or harsh indoor light. And no flash photography — it can overexpose your scalp.

• Choose a neutral background. Go for a plain background, like a wall, so your hair is the focus.

• Keep your camera at the same height and distance every time. A tripod, phone stand, or even a stack of books will do the trick.

2. Capture Multiple Angles

Hair growth doesn’t always happen evenly. Here are all the angles to snap so you get the full picture of your progress:

• Front: Look straight ahead, chin slightly down to show your hairline.

• Top (crown): Tilt your head forward and take a picture of your crown, or ask a friend for help.

• Sides: Take pics that show both side profiles.

• Part line: Take a picture wherever you typically part your hair.

3. Keep Hair Condition Consistent

Here’s how to care for your hair before taking pics:

• Take photos with clean and product-free hair. Styling products can change how thick or flat your hair looks. It’s best to take your pictures with freshly washed hair.

• Stick with either dry or lightly damp hair each time. Either of these will work for progress photos, but make sure you pick one and stick to it to make it easy to compare before and after photos.

• Style your hair the same way for every photo. If your usual hairstyle is loose and wavy, don’t switch to a straight style for the next photo.

4. Follow a Schedule

Hair grows roughly one-fourth to one-half inch per month, so monthly photos work best for getting an accurate picture of how your hair is growing. Here’s a suggested timeline to follow:

• Before you start treatment (this is your baseline)

• Month 1 (at this point, you might see minor results)

• Months 3, 6, and 12 (for major milestones, also a great time to compare before and after pictures)

Set a recurring calendar reminder so you never miss a shot. Stick to this routine and you’ll have clear photos to track your hair growth journey.

Here are a few common progress photo mistakes and how to fix them:

• Inconsistent lighting.

  • Solution → Pick one location, one time of day for photos. Snap your pics in the same place, at the same hour, every month.

• Always changing hairstyles.

  • Solution → Keep it natural. No heat tools, fancy updos, or hats. Try to style your hair the same way for every photo.

• Shaky or blurry shots.

  • Solution → Grab a tripod or phone stand (with a timer or remote) instead of using an unsteady hand.

• Photos that are too close or too zoomed out.

  • Solution → Frame your pics so your whole scalp is visible. That might mean capturing your face in the photo.

Your progress photos can help you understand whether or not treatment is working.

Here’s how to use your before and after photos:

• Check your progress. If you don't notice changes after several months, it might be time to talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your treatment.

• Spot new growth. Look for baby hairs along your hairline or fuller areas – these are easier to notice when you line up your photos side by side.

• Stay motivated. Even small improvements can be a big boost. Let your progress pics remind you how far you’ve come and stay the course with treatment.

Photos are just one part of the process. If you notice hair loss or thinning, seeing a licensed provider should be the first step in your hair regrowth journey. They can help you choose between proven hair loss treatments like minoxidil and prescription medications.

Hers offers online consultations and delivers FDA-approved hair loss treatments discreetly to your door. It’s affordable, convenient, and requires no in-person visits.

Ready to capture your hair regrowth journey like a pro? Let’s recap how to get the most out of your progress photos:

• Keep things consistent. Use the same setup, lighting, and timing each time you take a new photo.

• Snap shots from multiple angles, not just the front. Don’t forget to take pictures from above and on both sides.

• Use these progress pics as a tracker. Be consistent to spot changes — and stay motivated.

Ready to get started on your hair loss journey with the help of a licensed provider? Take our free hair loss quiz today.